Rally and round dance in front of Sarnia’s courthouse in support of #NoLine9 Land Defenders!

Today ( January 26th), three land defenders will be in Sarnia for the first court appearance since their bail hearing for allegedly manually shutting down a valve on Enbridge's Line 9. The three were charged with mischief over $5,000 and mischief endangering life.

"It is ironic that they are being charged with endangering life. Enbridge is the one endangering life with this reckless project. It is our duty as Anishinaabe women to defend the water. It is what all women should be doing, we are the water carriers.” Says Janelle Nahmabin, supporter and Aamjiwnaang First Nation community member.

Line 9 crosses every major tributary that flows into Lake Ontario. International pipeline safety expert Richard Kuprewicz has predicted that Line 9 has an "over 90%" chance of rupture. Meanwhile, according to an investigation by CTV's W5, Line 9 has already spilled 35 times in its almost 40 year history, totalling over 3 million litres.

Line 9 has faced opposition from several of the 18 First Nations along its route. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is currently challenging the pipeline in the Supreme Court on the basis of non-consultation.

"Government and industry are being reckless with our water supply and dishonouring of the original peoples of this land by failing to have proper consultation around projects that impact First Nations communities the most"," says Lindsay Gray, supporter and Anishinaabe land defender.

The three land defenders will be joined by supporters at the Sarnia Court house from 9am until noon. There will be a round dance and rally outside the courthouse at 10am.